Are you dreaming of sunny Spanish shores and vibrant flavors? Then look no further! This Spanish Table Paella recipe brings the taste of authentic paella right to your kitchen. Forget complicated, time-consuming recipes; this version is surprisingly easy, perfect for a delicious weeknight dinner or a delightful weekend gathering. It's a fantastic example of healthy meals, and a great addition to your collection of easy recipes. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients:
This recipe serves 4-6 people.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup Bomba rice (or Arborio rice as a substitute)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon saffron threads
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
- 1 ½ cups frozen peas
- 1 cup cooked chicken, diced (or shrimp, chorizo, or a combination for variation)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions:
Get started: Heat the olive oil in a large paella pan or wide, shallow skillet over medium heat. If you don’t have a paella pan, don't worry! Any large skillet will do.
Sauté the vegetables: Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and red bell pepper; cook for another 3-5 minutes until slightly tender.
Bloom the spices: Add the smoked paprika and saffron threads to the pan. Cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly, to release their fragrant oils. This step elevates the flavor of your paella significantly!
Add the rice and liquids: Stir in the Bomba rice and cook for 1 minute, coating the grains with the oil and spices. Pour in the diced tomatoes (undrained) and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Simmer to perfection: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and most of the liquid is absorbed. Do not lift the lid during simmering!
Incorporate the protein and peas: Gently stir in the cooked chicken (or your chosen protein) and frozen peas. Cover and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the peas are heated through.
Season and serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges. The slight char on the bottom of the pan (socarrat) is a delicious hallmark of a well-made paella. Enjoy your homemade delicious dish!
Cooking Tips for the Best Paella:
- Use good quality ingredients: The flavor of your paella will be greatly enhanced by using fresh, high-quality ingredients.
- Don't stir too much: Once the rice and broth are simmering, resist the urge to stir frequently. This helps the rice cook evenly and achieve the desired texture.
- Adjust the liquid: If your paella seems too dry before the rice is cooked, add a little more broth. If it's too wet, increase the heat slightly to allow more liquid to evaporate.
Variations:
- Seafood Paella: Substitute the chicken with 1 pound of mixed seafood (mussels, shrimp, clams). Add the seafood during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Vegetarian Paella: Omit the chicken and use vegetable broth. Consider adding artichoke hearts, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra flavor and texture.
- Spicy Paella: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a spicier kick.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: 40-45g
- Fat: 15-20g
This Spanish Table Paella is a simple yet flavorful dish, perfect for a quick dinner or a more elaborate meal. It’s a great recipe for beginners looking for easy recipes and experienced cooks seeking a new take on a classic. Enjoy the process of homemade cooking and the delicious results!